A gas water heater with a detachable control panel
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521933328.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-09
AI Technical Summary
[0002]在燃气热水器的现有技术中,一般将用于温度显示和控制的操控面板与燃气热水器的机壳本体设计为一体式结构,当显示控制模块出现故障时,这种一体式的结构,需要将整个燃气热水器的主体拆开进行故障排查和维修,产品维修性差
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Figure CN224718977U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a gas water heater, which is an optimized design for the gas water heater to facilitate the disassembly of the control panel. Background Technology
[0002] In existing gas water heater technology, the control panel used for temperature display and control is generally designed as an integrated structure with the main body of the gas water heater. When the display and control module malfunctions, this integrated structure requires the entire main body of the gas water heater to be disassembled for troubleshooting and repair, resulting in poor product maintainability. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a gas water heater that facilitates the disassembly of the control panel and ensures the sturdiness of the control panel after assembly.
[0004] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution.
[0005] A gas water heater with an easy-to-remove control panel includes a housing and a control panel.
[0006] The bottom plate of the housing body has at least one set of interconnected locking slots and unlocking slots, and the two oppositely arranged slot edges of the locking slots have upwardly extending flanges.
[0007] The top of the control panel has two spaced-apart latches corresponding to each locking slot and each of the two flanges. Each latch has a buckle head extending away from each other. The two latches are designed so that when the control panel moves in the assembly direction from bottom to top, the two buckles are twisted by the pressure of the two flanges. When the control panel moves to the assembly position, the two buckles are engaged with the top edges of the two flanges. This design allows the control panel to be located in the unlocking slot and can be freely removed when it moves from the assembly position to the unlocking position in the unlocking direction from the locking slot to the unlocking slot.
[0008] As a further improvement of this utility model, the top edges of the two flanges each have an unlocking hook extending in a direction close to each other. The two unlocking hooks correspond to two latches and are configured such that the side shapes of the corresponding latches are adapted to cause the control panel to be twisted by the pressure of the two latches when it moves from the assembly position along the unlocking direction, until the control panel moves to the unlocking position where the two latches pass through the two unlocking hooks and are located in the unlocking slot.
[0009] As a further improvement of this utility model, the side of the unlocking hook corresponding to the buckle is configured as an inclined side, and is inclined in the direction of the interval between the two buckles.
[0010] As a further improvement of this utility model, the width of the unlocking hook gradually decreases from the root of the connecting flange to the end away from the flange.
[0011] As a further improvement of this utility model, the width of the buckle gradually decreases from the root of the connecting buckle to the end away from the buckle.
[0012] As a further improvement of this utility model, the width of the unlocking groove corresponding to the two buckle spacing directions is greater than the width of the locking groove.
[0013] As a further improvement of this utility model, when the control panel is in the assembly position, the two buckles are respectively attached to the sides of the two flanges.
[0014] As a further improvement of this utility model, when the control panel is in the assembly position, the top of the control panel is attached to the bottom plate of the housing body.
[0015] As a further improvement of this utility model, the top of the control panel is provided with at least one anti-misoperation unit formed by a protrusion. The anti-misoperation unit is located at the top of the control panel and is suitable for the control panel to be located in the locking groove and / or unlocking groove when it moves along the assembly direction in the correct orientation, and to abut against the bottom plate of the housing body when it moves along the assembly direction in the wrong orientation, so that the buckle cannot be fastened to the corresponding flange top edge.
[0016] As a further improvement of this utility model, at least one connecting rib is provided between the two buckles corresponding to the same locking groove.
[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0018] The flexible snap-fit design of the buckle and the flange enables convenient, tool-free assembly and disassembly of the control panel, significantly improving maintenance efficiency. During assembly, the buckle automatically engages with the top edge of the flange after being squeezed and twisted, forming a stable connection and effectively preventing the panel from accidentally falling off under daily vibration or impact. For disassembly, simply slide the panel along the unlocking direction into the unlocking slot to remove it; the operation is simple and efficient. The unlocking hook effectively prevents accidental unlocking caused by non-human factors (such as vibration) causing the panel to slide from the locking slot into the unlocking slot, ensuring reliability during use. When disassembly is required, the user can apply a certain amount of force to cause the buckle to squeeze and twist the unlocking hook, allowing it to slide smoothly into the unlocking slot to complete the unlocking. The combination of these two features solves the problem of difficult maintenance of existing integrated structures while ensuring the panel is secure and reliable during normal use and controllable and convenient during disassembly, fundamentally optimizing the product's maintainability and safety. Attached Figure Description
[0019] The preferred embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings to help understand the purpose and advantages of this utility model, wherein:
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a gas water heater.
[0021] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the disassembly of the main casing and the control panel;
[0022] Figure 3 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the locking and unlocking slots on the bottom plate of the casing body;
[0023] Figure 4 This is a partial schematic diagram of the latches at the top of the control panel;
[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the buckle and the locking slot. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0026] The directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, back, front, back, top, and bottom mentioned or possibly used in this specification are defined relative to the construction shown in the accompanying drawings. The terms "inner" and "outer" refer to directions toward or away from the geometric center of a specific component, respectively. These are relative concepts and may therefore vary depending on their location and usage. Therefore, these or other directional terms should not be interpreted as restrictive.
[0027] This embodiment illustrates a gas water heater with a control panel that can be easily disassembled, see reference. Figures 1-5The assembly includes a housing body 1 and a control panel 2. The base plate of the housing body 1 has one or more interconnected locking slots 31 and unlocking slots 32. These locking slots 31 and unlocking slots 32 form specific paths on the base plate. The two opposite sides of the locking slots 31 have upwardly extending flanges 33, which are typically made of metal or high-strength plastic to provide support. The top of the control panel 2 has two spaced-apart latches 41 corresponding to the position of each locking slot 31. These latches 41 are made of a material with a certain degree of elasticity. Each latch 41 has a buckle head 42 extending in a direction away from each other. During assembly, the control panel 2 moves in an upward direction. The two buckles 42 are squeezed by the flanges 33 and twisted inward or outward during the movement. When it moves to the assembly position, the buckles 42 elastically recover and engage with the top edge of the flanges 33, thereby forming a locked state. During disassembly, the control panel 2 can be moved horizontally along the unlocking direction from the locking slot 31 to the unlocking slot 32, at which point the buckle 42 disengages from the flange 33, and the control panel 2 can be freely removed. This design achieves a convenient fastening process during assembly through the elastic twisting of the buckle 41, avoiding the use of tools or additional fasteners and greatly simplifying the operation steps. During disassembly, a simple horizontal movement is all that's needed to unlock, significantly improving maintenance efficiency. Simultaneously, the locking mechanism of the buckle 42 against the top edge of the flange 33 provides a stable mechanical connection, and the elasticity of the buckle 41 ensures it remains secure even under vibration or external impact, preventing accidental detachment. This enhances the reliability of the product in daily use, reduces the risk of malfunctions due to panel loosening, and solves the problem of difficult maintenance of integrated structures in existing technologies.
[0028] In this embodiment, to prevent accidental unlocking, the top edges of the two flanges 33 are respectively provided with unlocking hooks 34 extending towards each other. The size and position of the unlocking hooks 34 precisely correspond to the buckles 41, so that when the control panel 2 is in the assembled position, the unlocking hooks 34 are located to the side of the buckles 41. The side shape of the unlocking hooks 34 corresponding to the buckles 41 is designed such that when the control panel 2 moves in the unlocking direction, the buckles 41 first contact the side of the unlocking hooks 34 and are twisted and deformed by the pressure of the unlocking hooks 34 during the movement. This process continues until the buckles 41 completely pass through the unlocking hooks 34 and enter the unlocking slot 32. At this time, the control panel 2 is in the unlocked position in the unlocking slot 32 and can be freely removed. The side design of the unlocking hook 34 generates necessary resistance through its specific contour. In the absence of manual pushing (such as slight vibration or accidental touch), the unlocking hook 34 can effectively resist the buckle 41, preventing it from sliding from the locking groove 31 to the unlocking groove 32, thus avoiding accidental unlocking problems caused by daily operation or environmental factors. When disassembly is required, the user applies a certain force to push the control panel 2. The squeezing action of the unlocking hook 34 causes the buckle 41 to twist and deform before passing through smoothly, realizing a controllable unlocking process. This ensures that the disassembly operation is both safe and convenient, while reducing potential damage to the buckle 41 structure and improving overall durability.
[0029] In this embodiment, to optimize the unlocking process, the side of the unlocking hook 34 corresponding to the buckle 41 is configured as an inclined edge. This inclined edge forms a certain angle with the spacing direction of the two buckles 41, typically 30-60 degrees. The specific angle can be adjusted according to material and space constraints. The inclined edge design makes the force direction of the buckle 41 more uniform when it contacts the unlocking hook 34. This inclined edge configuration is the optimal solution. Its inclined surface guides the buckle 41 to move smoothly during the unlocking process, reducing jamming or stuck phenomena. Since the inclined edge provides a gradual contact surface, the stress distribution of the buckle 41 during torsional deformation is more uniform, avoiding material fatigue or fracture caused by local stress concentration, thereby extending the service life of the buckle 41. At the same time, the inclined edge can effectively reduce the initial thrust required for unlocking, making the operation more effortless and improving the user experience, while ensuring that the unlocking action is efficient and reliable, preventing damage to components due to excessive resistance during disassembly.
[0030] In this embodiment, to enhance the structural design of the unlocking hook 34, the width of the unlocking hook 34 gradually decreases from the root of the connecting flange 33 to the end away from the flange 33, forming a cone-like structure. The wider root provides sufficient strength support, while the narrower end reduces material usage and weight. This gradual width design of the unlocking hook 34 optimizes the stress distribution. The increased width at the root strengthens the connection with the flange 33, better withstanding the compressive load of the latch 41 during the unlocking process, preventing the unlocking hook 34 from deforming or breaking due to repeated stress. The reduced width at the end lowers the overall weight and volume of the unlocking hook 34, avoiding interference with other components in confined spaces, reducing frictional resistance when the latch 41 passes through, making the unlocking process smoother, and helping to reduce manufacturing costs.
[0031] In this embodiment, to improve the strength of the buckle 41, the width of the buckle head 42 gradually decreases from the root of the buckle 41 to the end away from the buckle 41. The root of the buckle head 42 is wider and the end is narrower, forming a tapered shape, and it is usually integrally molded. This design of a wide root and a narrow end can disperse stress when the buckle head 42 is twisted and deformed, preventing stress concentration that could lead to cracks or breakage, thereby ensuring the structural strength and durability of the buckle head 42. At the same time, the narrower end is easier to deform when the top edge of the flange 33 is fastened, reducing energy loss and material damage during the twisting process, ensuring that the buckle head 42 can maintain good elastic recovery performance after repeated assembly and disassembly, and extending the service life of the control panel 2.
[0032] In this embodiment, for ease of disassembly and to avoid damage, the width of the unlocking slot 32 corresponding to the spacing between the two latches 41 is greater than the width of the locking slot 31. The unlocking slot 32 is typically wider than the locking slot 31 by a certain proportion to provide more room for movement. The larger width of the unlocking slot 32 ensures that when the latches 41 are in the unlocked position within the unlocking slot 32, there is sufficient clearance between the latches 41 and the edge of the slot, allowing the control panel 2 to be removed more easily and vertically without precise alignment, thus improving the ease of disassembly. At the same time, the wider unlocking slot 32 prevents the latches 41 from being damaged by collision with the edge of the slot during removal, reducing the risk of scratches or deformation and protecting the structural integrity of the latches 41. Especially in scenarios requiring frequent maintenance, this design significantly reduces maintenance costs.
[0033] In this embodiment, to improve stability, when the control panel 2 is in the assembled position, the two latches 41 are tightly fitted to the sides of the two flanges 33, with the sides of the latches 41 and flanges 33 forming surface contact. Precise dimensional tolerances are typically used to ensure a tight fit. This fitting design restricts the lateral movement of the control panel 2 in the locked state, preventing panel wobbling caused by external vibrations or operating forces, thereby improving the stability and safety of the product during use. Simultaneously, the tight fit reduces gaps, preventing foreign objects from entering the locking structure and ensuring the long-term reliable operation of the locking mechanism.
[0034] In this embodiment, to ensure sealing and aesthetics, when the control panel 2 is in the assembled position, its top is tightly fitted to the bottom plate of the housing body 1, typically through a flat contact surface to achieve a seamless connection. This fitted design effectively avoids gaps between the top of the control panel 2 and the bottom plate of the housing body 1, preventing dust and moisture from entering the interior and improving the product's sealing and dustproof / waterproof performance. Simultaneously, the seamless appearance enhances the overall aesthetics, reduces visual defects caused by gaps, and improves the user experience.
[0035] In this embodiment, based on considerations for preventing misoperation, one or more anti-misoperation units 43 formed by protrusions are provided on the top of the control panel 2. The anti-misoperation units 43 are usually located at specific positions on the top of the control panel 2, such as in asymmetrical positions or at critical edges. The position design of the anti-misoperation units 43 ensures that when the control panel 2 moves along the assembly direction in the correct orientation, the anti-misoperation units 43 can smoothly enter the locking slot 31 or unlocking slot 32 without obstructing movement; however, in the wrong orientation (such as inverted or rotated), the anti-misoperation units 43 will abut against the bottom plate of the housing body 1, preventing the control panel 2 from continuing to move, and at the same time, the buckle 42 cannot engage with the top edge of the flange 33, thus failing to complete the locking. This anti-misoperation unit 43, as a foolproof design, avoids users from incorrectly installing the control panel 2 through physical obstruction, ensuring successful assembly on the first attempt, reducing rework and potential damage; at the same time, it simplifies the operation process, improves assembly efficiency, and significantly reduces the error rate, especially in mass production or user self-maintenance.
[0036] In this embodiment, to further enhance structural strength, one or more connecting ribs 44 are connected between two latches 41 corresponding to the same locking slot 31. The connecting ribs 44 are typically sheet-like or rib-like structures, integrally formed from the same material as the latches 41. These connecting ribs 44 provide additional support and connection between the two latches 41, enhancing the overall rigidity of the latches 41 and preventing individual latches 41 from excessively deforming or breaking due to twisting during assembly and disassembly. At the same time, the connecting ribs 44 optimize stress transmission, making the load evenly distributed, improving the durability and fatigue resistance of the latch 41 system, especially maintaining structural stability under frequent operation, and extending the service life of the control panel 2.
[0037] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.
Claims
1. A gas water heater with an easily detachable control panel (2), characterized in that, Includes the main body of the casing (1) and the control panel (2); The bottom plate of the housing body (1) has at least one set of interconnected locking grooves (31) and unlocking grooves (32), and the two oppositely arranged groove sides of the locking groove (31) have upwardly extending flanges (33). The top of the control panel (2) is provided with two mutually spaced buckles (41) corresponding to each of the locking slots (31) and corresponding to the two flanges (33). The two buckles (41) each have a buckle head (42) extending in a direction away from each other. The two buckles (41) are adapted to cause the two buckles (42) to be twisted by the two flanges (33) when the control panel (2) moves in the assembly direction from bottom to top. When it moves to the assembly position, the two buckles (42) are respectively fastened to the top edge of the two flanges (33). This is adapted to cause the control panel (2) to be located in the unlocking slot (32) and can be freely removed when it moves from the assembly position in the unlocking direction from the locking slot (31) to the unlocking slot (32).
2. The gas water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top edges of the two flanges (33) each have an unlocking hook (34) extending in a direction close to each other. The two unlocking hooks (34) correspond to the two latches (41) respectively and are configured such that the side shapes of the two latches (41) are adapted to cause the control panel (2) to be twisted by the two latches (41) when it moves from the assembly position along the unlocking direction until the control panel (2) moves to the unlocking position where the two latches (41) pass through the two unlocking hooks (34) and are located in the unlocking slot (32).
3. The gas water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The unlocking hook (34) is configured as an inclined side corresponding to the side of the buckle (41), and is inclined in the direction of the interval between the two buckles (41).
4. The gas water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The width of the unlocking hook (34) gradually decreases from the root of the flange (33) to the end away from the flange (33).
5. The gas water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the buckle (42) gradually decreases from the root of the buckle (41) to the end away from the buckle (41).
6. The gas water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the unlocking slot (32) corresponding to the two buckles (41) in the interval direction is greater than the width of the locking slot (31).
7. The gas water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the control panel (2) is in the assembly position, the two buckles (41) are respectively attached to the sides of the two flanges (33).
8. The gas water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the control panel (2) is in the assembly position, the top of the control panel (2) is attached to the bottom plate of the housing body (1).
9. The gas water heater according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The top of the control panel (2) is provided with at least one anti-misoperation unit (43) formed by a protrusion. The anti-misoperation unit (43) is located at the top of the control panel (2) and is adapted to be located in the locking groove (31) and / or the unlocking groove (32) when the control panel (2) moves along the assembly direction in the correct orientation, and abuts against the bottom plate of the housing body (1) when it moves along the assembly direction in the wrong orientation, so that the buckle (42) cannot be fastened to the top edge of the corresponding flange (33).
10. The gas water heater according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, At least one connecting rib (44) is connected between the two buckles (41) corresponding to the same locking groove (31).